Hair coloring dispensing device and method

ABSTRACT

A hair coloring system includes a handle, the handle comprising a first handle portion hingedly coupled to a second handle portion. The handle is moveable between an open position, where the first handle portion and second handle portion are spaced apart, and a closed position, where the first handle portion and second handle portion are adjacent to one another. A dispensing portion includes a first arm releasably coupled to the first handle portion, a first extension coupled to the first arm, a second arm releasably coupled to the second handle portion and a second extension coupled to the second arm. A sling extending between the first arm and second arm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/960,534, filed Sep. 21, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method which allow for a precise, quick and easy application of hair highlighting and coloring and other chemical compositions on hair.

BACKGROUND

Coloring hair has long been considered fashionable. Through a variety of devices and compositions, hair may be dyed, colored, highlighted, low-lighted, or the like. In some instances, an entire body of hair, for example all hair on a scalp, may be colored. In other instances, targeted strands or groups may be colored. Hair coloring is often a time and labor intensive process, requiring a great amount of skill. As such, hair coloring can be costly. Therefore, there exists a significant need for a device, method or combination thereof for reducing the time and skill required to color hair.

SUMMARY

A hair coloring system comprising a handle, the handle comprising: a first handle portion having a first end and a second end; a second handle portion having a first end and a second end; wherein the first handle portion first end is hingedly coupled to the second handle portion first end; wherein the handle is moveable between an open position, where the first handle portion and second handle portion are spaced apart, and a closed position, where the first handle portion and second handle portion are adjacent to one another; a first extension coupled to the first handle second end; a second extension coupled to the second handle second end; and a sling extending between the first extension and second extension.

A hair coloring system comprising: a handle, the handle comprising a first handle portion hingedly coupled to a second handle portion, the handle moveable between an open position, where the first handle portion and second handle portion are spaced apart, and a closed position, where the first handle portion and second handle portion are adjacent to one another; a dispensing portion comprising: a first arm releasably coupled to the first handle portion; a first extension coupled to the first arm; a second arm releasably coupled to the second handle portion; and a second extension coupled to the second arm; and a sling extending between the first arm and second arm.

A method for coloring hair comprising: providing a first arm and a second arm and a sling extending between the first arm and second arm; dispensing coloring atop the sling; placing hair atop the sling; and moving the first arm adjacent to the second arm so as to press the hair into the coloring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair coloring dispensing system in a holder;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the hair coloring dispensing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dispensing portion of the hair coloring dispensing system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the hair coloring dispensing system with the handle in an open position;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the hair coloring dispensing system with the extensions in a stowed position;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the hair coloring dispensing system with the handle in a closed position; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of an edging pallet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, an illustrative hair coloring dispensing device or system 100 is shown. The dispensing device generally includes a handle 102 and a dispensing portion 104. The handle 102 includes a first handle portion 106 and a second handle portion 108 hingedly coupled together. The first and second handle portions include respective first ends 103, 105, which are hingedly coupled together, and second ends 107, 109. The first and second handle portions 106, 108 are selectively movable between an open position (see e.g. FIG. 4), where the handle portions 106, 108 are spaced apart, and a closed position (see e.g. FIG. 6), where the handle portions 106, 108 are adjacent to one another. As best shown in FIG. 4, the handle portions 106, 108 are moved in the direction of the arrows 110 in order to move the handle portions 106, 108 from the open position to the closed position.

The handle 102 may include a resilient member 112 affixed between the handle portions 106, 108 and configured to bias the handle portions 106, 108 in the open position. The resilient member 112 may be any suitable device for biasing the handle portions 106, 108. For example, the resilient member may be a compression spring, an elastomeric member, or any other suitable device, combination of devices, means or technique for biasing the handle portions 106, 108 in the open position.

Further, as will be discussed in greater detail below, each handle portion 106, 108 may include an opening 114 for receiving a portion 120 of corresponding insert arm 116 of the dispensing portion 104. While the illustrative embodiment shows the handle 102 in releasable engagement with the dispensing portion 104, it will be appreciated that the openings 114 in the handle 102 may be adapted to receive any suitable appliance(s) or tool(s) for use in hair styling and, as such, the handle 102 may be used in a plurality of suitable styling operations or techniques and is not solely limited for use in hair coloring. In one non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 7, an edging pallet 200 may be used in one or both handle portions 106, 108. The insert arm 218, distal end 222, and tabs 223 may be similar to those illustrated with respect to the dispensing portion 104 of FIGS. 6-9. Other non-limiting examples of tools or appliances that may be used similarly include comb, brush, etc.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, the dispensing portion 104 includes a first insert arm 116 and a second insert arm 118. The distal ends 120, 122 of each insert arm 116, 118 are adapted to be releasably received by a corresponding opening 114 of the handle 102. While the distal ends 120, 122 are illustrated generally as including tabs 123 that are releasably received by corresponding apertures 124 in the handle 102, it will be appreciated that the dispensing portion 104 may be releasably coupled to the handle 102 via any suitable means, technique, device or combination of devices and remain within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, and without limitation, the dispensing device may be coupled to to the handle by magnets, Velcro®, any suitable mechanical device or devices, any suitable cooperating configurations on the handle portions and dispensing portion 104, or by way of any suitable means. Therefore, it will be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited to such tabs 123 and apertures 124 and that any suitable means for releasably coupling the dispensing portion 104 to the handle 102 is expressly contemplated and considered within the scope of the present disclosure. In an alternative embodiment, each handle portion 106, 108 is rigidly coupled to a corresponding insert arm 116, 118 or otherwise integral with the first and second extensions 126, 128. In yet another alternative, the first and second extensions 126, 128 are hingedly coupled to a corresponding handle portion 106, 108.

As used herein, the term “coupled” includes coupling via a separate object and includes direct coupling. The term “coupled” also encompasses two or more components that are continuous with one another by virtue of each of the components being formed from the same piece of material. Also, the term “coupled” may include chemical, such as via a chemical bond, mechanical, thermal, magnetic, or electrical coupling. Also, unless otherwise provided, “coupled” includes both permanent coupling as well as selectively releasable coupling. Further, as used herein, color or coloring refers to any suitable compound for changing or otherwise altering the color of hair, including, but not limited to dyes, coloring, bleaches or any other such compound.

Each insert arm 116, 118 includes an extension 126 (first extension), 128 (second extension) coupled thereto. Each extension 126, 128 may include a compression plate 148, 149. In one embodiment, each extension 126, 128 is hingedly coupled to a corresponding insert arm 116, 118 such that each extension 126, 128 may be moved between a working position (e.g. FIG. 2), where the extensions 126, 128 extend generally perpendicular, or at any other suitable angle, from the insert arms 116, 118, and a stowed position, where the extensions 126, 128 are rotated in the direction of the arrows 130 in FIG. 3 such that each extension 126, 128 is adjacent to and generally parallel with a corresponding insert arm 116, 118 (e.g. FIG. 5). In an alternative embodiment, each extension 126, 128 may be rigidly coupled to a corresponding insert arm 116, 118 and/or corresponding handle portion 106, 108 such that the extensions 126, 128 remain in a working position. Alternatively, each extension 126, 128 may be hingedly coupled to a corresponding handle portion 106, 108.

A sling 132 extends between the extensions 126, 128 and is coupled thereto. The sling 132 is adapted to receive and apply hair coloring to hair. The sling 132 may be formed from any suitable material capable of receiving and applying hair coloring to hair. In one embodiment, the sling 132 is formed from a non-absorbent material. In one embodiment, the sling 132 is formed from a vinyl coated non-woven fiber sheeting. In one embodiment, the sling 132 is formed from an absorbent material. In one embodiment, the sling 132 is formed from a flexible material such that the sling 132 may fold between the extensions 126, 128 when the handle 102 is moved from an open position to a closed position. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the sling 132 may include one or more markings 134 thereon so that the amount of hair color dispensed on the sling 132 may be measured.

In one embodiment, a liner 142 (as shown in FIG. 2) may be placed atop the sling 132 prior to color being disposed atop the sling 132; in this embodiment, the coloring is disposed on the liner 142 and coloring and liner 142 are both applied to the hair. The liner 142 may include a body 144 and one or more tabs 146 so that the liner 142 may be releasably coupled to the sling 132 and such that the liner 142 may be selectively released from the sling 132 whereby the liner 142 may remain with the hair receiving the color. The liner may be formed from a foil, paper, or any combination thereof. However, it will be appreciated that a liner 142 may not be used and remain within the scope of the present disclosure.

Also, as best shown in FIG. 1, the device 100 may be received and maintained in a holder 136. In one embodiment, the holder 136 is generally frustoconical in shape with an aperture 238 for receiving the handle 102. The aperture 238 may be adapted to hold the handle 102 in the open or closed position. It will be appreciated that any suitable device may be employed for storing the device 100 and remain within the scope of the present disclosure. It will further be appreciated that a holder is optional and a device 100 without a holder is considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

In use, hair coloring is dispensed atop the sling 132 or a liner 142 coupled to the sling 132. Hair for receiving the coloring is then disposed atop the sling 132 or liner 142. In one embodiment, the handle 102 is closest to the scalp when the hair is disposed atop the sling 132 or liner 142. Also, the hair disposed atop the sling 132 or liner 142 is preferably generally parallel with the extensions 126, 128, or, stated differently, if the sling 132 and/or liner 142 includes a crease 240, generally parallel with the crease 240. It will be appreciated that the sling 132 and/or liner 142 may or may not include such a crease 240.

The handle 102 is then moved from the open position to the closed position by moving the handle portions 106, 108 towards one another. As the handle 102 is moved towards the closed position, the device 102 is simultaneously moved away from the scalp such that coloring is applied along the length of the hair atop the sling 132 and/or such that the liner 142 is released from the sling 132. Once coloring and/or the liner 142 has been applied along the desired length of hair (either the entire length or less than the entire length), the handle 102 may be moved to the open position by releasing the amount of force applied to move the handle 102 to the closed position and such that the resilient member 112 is capable of moving the handle 102 to the open position.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. 

1. A hair coloring system comprising: a handle, the handle comprising: a first handle portion having a first end and a second end; a second handle portion having a first end and a second end; wherein the first handle portion first end is hingedly coupled to the second handle portion first end; wherein the handle is moveable between an open position, where the first handle portion and second handle portion are spaced apart, and a closed position, where the first handle portion and second handle portion are adjacent to one another; a first extension coupled to the first handle second end; a second extension coupled to the second handle second end; and a sling extending between the first extension and second extension.
 2. The hair coloring system of claim 1 further comprising a resilient member disposed between the first handle portion and second handle portion and operable to bias the handle in the open position.
 3. The hair coloring system of claim 1 wherein the first extension is hingedly coupled to the first handle second end; wherein the second extension is hingedly coupled to the second handle second end; and wherein each of the first extension and second extension are moveable between a working position and a stowed position.
 4. The hair coloring system of claim 3 wherein the first extension is adjacent to the first handle portion when in the stowed position and wherein the second extension is adjacent to the second handle portion when in the stowed position.
 5. The hair coloring system of claim 3 wherein the first extension is at an angle relative to the first handle portion when in the working position and wherein the second extension is at an angle relative to the second handle portion when in the working position.
 6. The hair coloring system of claim 5 wherein the first extension is substantially perpendicular to the first handle portion when in the working position and wherein the second extension is substantially perpendicular to the second handle portion when in the working position.
 7. The hair coloring system of claim 1 wherein each of the first extension and second extension include a compression plate, wherein when the handle is moved to the closed position, the compression plates are adjacent to one another with the sling therebetween.
 8. The hair coloring system of claim 1 further comprising a liner, wherein the liner is adapted to be releasably coupled to the sling.
 9. A hair coloring system comprising: a handle, the handle comprising a first handle portion hingedly coupled to a second handle portion, the handle moveable between an open position, where the first handle portion and second handle portion are spaced apart, and a closed position, where the first handle portion and second handle portion are adjacent to one another; a dispensing portion comprising: a first arm releasably coupled to the first handle portion; a first extension coupled to the first arm; a second arm releasably coupled to the second handle portion; and a second extension coupled to the second arm; and a sling extending between the first arm and second arm.
 10. The hair coloring system of claim 9 further comprising a resilient member disposed between the first handle portion and second handle portion and operable to bias the handle in the open position.
 11. The hair coloring system of claim 9 wherein the first extension is hingedly coupled to the first arm, and wherein the second extension is hingedly coupled to the second arm, and wherein each of the first extension and second extension are moveable between a working position and a stowed position.
 12. The hair coloring system of claim 11 wherein the first extension is adjacent to the first handle portion when in the stowed position and wherein the second extension is adjacent to the second handle portion when in the stowed position.
 13. The hair coloring system of claim 11 wherein the first extension is at an angle relative to the first handle portion when in the working position and wherein the second extension is at an angle relative to the second handle portion when in the working position.
 14. The hair coloring system of claim 9 wherein the first arm includes a distal end adapted to be releasably received by an opening in the first handle portion, and wherein the second arm includes a distal end adapted to be releasably received by an opening in the second handle portion.
 15. The hair coloring system of claim 9 further comprising a liner, wherein the liner is adapted to be releasably coupled to the sling.
 16. The hair coloring system of claim 15 wherein the liner comprises a foil layer.
 17. The hair coloring system of claim 16 wherein the liner further comprises a paper layer.
 18. A method for coloring hair comprising: providing a first arm and a second arm and a sling extending between the first arm and second arm; dispensing coloring atop the sling; placing hair atop the sling; and moving the first arm adjacent to the second arm so as to press the hair into the coloring.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of dispensing coloring atop the sling comprises releasably coupling a liner to the sling and placing coloring atop the liner.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising releasing the liner from the sling after moving the first arm adjacent to the second arm. 